From undisputed luxury to this; cheap, poorly made and disposable, fast fashion.
So much has been written about how terrible it is to buy clothes that are sold so cheaply for a fast fashion fix, for reasons including labour and the environment, which it is. My issue with this trend, which is as unwelcome as the kitten heel in my opinion, is that the value of clothes gets totally lost.
Of course I’ve succumb to this as much as the next person, but I appreciate the craftsmanship and tailoring of garments that were meant to be worn for years and last a lifetime and more importantly; meant to be loved. An example of this would be a Chanel ‘little black jacket’. It costs on average £1800 and in any high street shop at the moment you can find a lookalike for anything between £19.99 and £99. These may seem like a good alternative for a seemingly unattainable item of clothing but is it really?
Next time you’re out shopping and think that something is good value; have a look. Is it really? How good is the stitching? Will it last a few washes then fall apart? Is it real wool? Chances are that the answer is ‘no’, so save that £10, £20, £50 and put it towards an investment piece. If you were to put aside £50 a month for 3 years you would have enough for a Chanel jacket, a Mullberry bag or a pair or two of Loubotins. These will last forever, be eternally in style and you will love them a lifetime.

“You have to earn a garment like this. I would even go so far as to say that I hope no one could get one by chance. Some people would call it a work of art. Its something to covet and dream about” – Sarah Jessica Parker on the Chanel jacket.

There are only 3 days left to see ‘The Little Black Jacket’ exhibition at the Saatchi gallery in London. If like me you won’t be able to see it in the flesh, there is a wonderful book to accompany the show.
I received it in the post last week and won’t lie when I say that I let out a tiny shriek at the box it came in. Have a look and tell me you wouldn’t have done the same!

Pretty chic for a cardboard box

Once I got over the first time I’d been excited by a box since I was four, it was time to unleash the tome. It is a walloping book full of some of the most beautiful pictures taken by Kaiser Karl himself.

All the models, singers, actors and Anna Wintour are photographed wearing the classic jacket and giving it their own mark, only proving the versatility of the jacket that will never go out of fashion.
It was interesting to see men wearing what has typically been seen as a woman’s item but I think they wear it with such aplobm that it’d be interesting to see more often.

Kanye West, Sarah Jessica Parker and Sofia Coppola all working the iconic piece.

]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/the-tale-of-the-little-black-jacket-and-disposable-fashion/feed/0holycocotumblr_m9kbufWhgl1r7rci7o1_1280.jpeg20121015_140232.jpg120329_c010j-404x540.jpegvibevixen-kanye-west-chanel.jpegtumblr_mbmi50frYw1qm0fbbo5_500.jpegSofia_Coppola_The_Little_Black_Jacket_chanel_karl_lagerfeld.jpegCarine Roitfeld gets appointedhttps://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/carine-roitfeld-gets-appointed/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/carine-roitfeld-gets-appointed/#respondFri, 12 Oct 2012 22:50:14 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=134]]>Carine Roitfeld has been appointed the global fashion director for Harpers Bazaar. This will see the former editor-in-chief of French Vogue produce limited editorials for all editions of the magazine, which could include covers.
She will be collaborating with the creative director of American Harpers Bazaar, Stephen Gan. The first of several fashion stories planned for over the year will debut in the March 2013 copy of all 26 international editions.
Roitfeld will continue to be involved with other projects, including the recently launched CR Fashion Book.
I think this is an unbelievable move for Harpers Bazaar, Carine Roitfeld is a fashion visionary and will breath new life into the magazine. I can’t wait to see the first unveiling in the new year.]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/carine-roitfeld-gets-appointed/feed/0holycocoFan BingBing makes my heart singhttps://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/fan-bingbing-makes-my-heart-sing/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/fan-bingbing-makes-my-heart-sing/#respondFri, 12 Oct 2012 20:48:23 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=132]]>While reading through I-D magazine I came across an article with the Chinese actress and all round fashion muse Fan BingBing. It reminded me of the April 2012 cover of Chinese Vogue I’d seen of her in which she portrayed masculine and feminine. Not because the pictures in I-D were like that but because it was one of those covers that is memorable to me. It also bought Fan BingBing more onto my radar.

She has a fantastic sense of style and takes risks, which makes her a very refreshing change on the red carpet. I enjoy seeing what she’s stepping out in and she always looks so graceful and glamorous! Agree?

]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/fan-bingbing-makes-my-heart-sing/feed/0holycocofan-bingbing-vogue-china.jpegFan%2BBingbing%2BOpening%2BCeremony%2B64th%2BAnnual%2B2T4E62pzkmDl.jpegFan+Bingbing+Daisy+Lowe+pastel+shades+sit+9L_miItY0M2l.jpegFan+Bingbing+Celebs+Dior+Fashion+Show+Paris+1wtO7O7rSjNl.jpegCannes-Film-Fan-Bingbing5.jpegThe Role Model Issuehttps://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/the-role-model-issue/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/the-role-model-issue/#respondFri, 12 Oct 2012 15:43:30 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=125]]>The latest issue of I-D magazine focuses on icons and role models, people who inspire and push the boundaries of style and innovation. It is a fantastic 94 page story with some of the best hair and make-up and styling I’ve seen in the magazine for a while.
The concept isn’t new by any means but the interviews and content really triumph in putting across the meaning of a role model.

Personally I’m not sure if I actually believe in having a role model, but if it inspires and gives someone self confidence that otherwise wouldn’t be there I can’t disregard the notion.
I have people who I admire and who inspire me from a style sense such as Sofia Coppola, who I could look at all day just for her beautiful and minimalist approach to fashion. Plus she’s friends with Marc Jacobs. In my eyes she’s the coolest woman in the world. I’ve been wanting a reason to put some pictures of her in a post and this seems as good as any. So to Sofia Coppola; My Style “Role Model” –

The final black and white picture is from ‘The Little Black Jacket’ book by Karl Lagerfeld, celebrating the iconic piece by Chanel. Maybe that is the role model of all the other clothes?

Congratulations to Tom Ford and Richard Buckley on the birth of their son.
He is going to be one well dressed little boy. I’m not ashamed to say I’m a tiny bit jealous of Alexander John Buckley Ford for having the most stylish parents possible. Best wishes to a beautiful family.

]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/the-luckiest-boy-in-the-world/feed/0holycocoarticle-2213431-155E9BDC000005DC-596_468x286.jpegBury me in Rodartehttps://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/bury-me-in-rodarte/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/bury-me-in-rodarte/#respondThu, 13 Sep 2012 17:41:26 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=98]]>With New York fashion week drawing to a close I thought it was about time to reflect on some of the collections that have been on show in the big apple. Firstly, the genius creations from Rodarte

Seriously beautiful clothes from the Mulleavy sisters. They’re like body armour and have a fantasy and etheral edge to them. I love their designs, especially the last two dresses. I can’t find a thing wrong with this collection and would quite happily bite their hands off for a piece from it! Pictures from style.com

]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/bury-me-in-rodarte/feed/0holycoco_ON_0139.jpeg_ON_0034.jpeg_ON_0059.jpeg_ON_0168.jpeg_ON_0075.jpegFollow me!https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/follow-me/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/follow-me/#respondSun, 09 Sep 2012 13:15:13 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=90]]>I’m now on twitter! Still getting used to it but you can follow me @holycoco]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/follow-me/feed/0holycocoCarine, Je T’aimehttps://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/carine-je-taime/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/carine-je-taime/#respondThu, 06 Sep 2012 22:59:03 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=88]]>

Carine Roitfeld has had me beyond excited for her new magazine ‘CR Fashion Book’ for a long time and it’s now exactly a week until issue one is let loose!

The only factor dampening the sheer flurry of frenzy in me is the shipping cost. I have no doubt that this magazine is going to be more than you’re average bi-annual and I would happily pay £100 for the pleasure of just holding it but a shipping cost of $50 is extreme. I know I’ll succumb and I’ll be glad I did but until then I will be scouring Britain for Carine!

Anna Wintour & Carine Roitfeld – Coolest girl gang ever.

]]>https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/carine-je-taime/feed/0holycococarine_roitfeld.jpegCarine-Roitfeld-Fashion-Book-CR.pngcarine-and-anna.jpegI ♥ GQhttps://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/i-%e2%99%a5-gq/
https://holycoco.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/i-%e2%99%a5-gq/#respondThu, 06 Sep 2012 12:02:17 +0000http://holycoco.wordpress.com/?p=75]]>The 15th annual GQ men of the year awards took place on Tuesday night and today the special ‘Men of the year 2012’ issue goes on sale.
There are 5 limited edition covers to commemorate this year’s winners –

Tinie Tempah: Solo artist of the year.

Lana Del Rey: Woman of the year.

John Slattery: International man of the year.

James Corden: Man of the year.

Robbie Williams: Icon of the year.

I think this is a good selection of covers and will be hunting down the Lana Del Rey cover for myself. Failing that, it would have to be John Slattery because he’s in ‘Mad Men’ and once played a politician who liked to be peed on in ‘Sex and the City’. Talking of odd politicians, I would have much preferred to have seen Boris Johnson on a cover instead of Robbie Williams.
All pictures from gq-magazine.co.uk